Run-up and Memorial Day Weekend Forecast

The run-up to Memorial Day Weekend will begin with lingering cool temperatures across the East; however, a welcomed warm-up vs. normal and especially vs. recent temperatures will filter into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions beginning mid-week, according to the latest from Planalytics. “Anticipate a lift in demand for summer goods including apparel and footwear, grills and patio furniture, and cold beverages as consumers enjoy +15ºF temperature swings compared to recent trends,” said the company’s forecast.

Locations across the Plains, Upper Midwest, and Mississippi Valley can also expect warmer temperatures vs. the prior week. Conversely, consumers throughout the West will experience a cool down vs. the recent trend and normal.

M-Day Weather

Warmer conditions will encompass much of the country over the Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 27th – Monday, May 30th), boding well for outdoor activities. Major population centers along the Atlantic seaboard will continue to enjoy warmer temperatures vs. recent weeks, supporting demand for summer consumables such as suncare, bottled water, and bagged ice. Locations along the West Coast will see a shift to warmer than normal temperatures over the weekend. The South Central, Plains, and Upper Midwest are expected to see seasonal warmth.

Rain is expected to threaten many markets during the week and weekend. Strongest threats are currently focused across the Northern Tier, although southern showers cannot be ruled out. As we move through the heart of severe weather season, there is an increased threat for damaging wind, hail, and tornadoes, particularly in the Plains. Watch for your daily Severe Weather Alerts and WeatherVue reports which provide conditions and impacts specific to your business.

For reference, Memorial Day in 2015 trended warmer than normal and wettest since 2004.

  • The New England region had its warmest Memorial Day since 2011. Boston was also warmest since 2011.
  • The West South Central region was coolest since 2003. Dallas & Little Rock also trended coolest since 2003.
  • The West South Central region had its wettest Memorial Day in over 55 years; Houston & New Orleans as well.
  • Rainfall was also focused in the East South Central & Mountain regions which trended wettest since 2009.

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